Thrillers, Suspense & Mystery

Self-Inflicted

Edward Correia (Atmosphere Press)

| Reviewed by Jayne Anne Rooney

Edward Correia’s Self-Inflicted presents a harrowing and time narrative that resonates on multiple levels, exposing the fragility of political systems and the dire implications of a world beset by climate crisis and pandemic. As President Melissa Harding confronts an unprecedented convergence of disasters in her final term in office—climate change manifesting in a catastrophic hurricane, a deadly virus unleashed, and a deeply divided political landscape—the novel expertly weaves together the threads of personal turmoil and national strife. Corr...

The Gallucci Gallery

KB Richards (Grandeur Publishing)

| Reviewed by John Grossman

K.B. Richards’ The Gallucci Gallery is an expertly woven psychological thriller that intricately weaves trauma, identity, and morality. The story follows a mother struggling with her tumultuous past—specifically with her abusive father—which has manifested as a dissociative identity disorder, introducing the formidable persona of Elizabeth. She is accused of murder, but she isn’t even sure whether she committed it or not. Things become more complicated for Bianca when a mysterious character enters her life. She can’t believe that Vincenzo Gallu...

The Greatest Thieves

Neboysha Saikovski (KDP)

| Reviewed by Jeff Klune

The Greatest Thieves by Neboysha Saikovski is the first entry in the Pink Panthers trilogy and an electrifying read. The story paints a gripping tale of the audacious Pink Panthers, a notorious gang engaging in high-stakes theft amid the backdrop of socio-political turbulence following the dissolution of Yugoslavia. The narrative thrives on intense plot elements, intricate characterizations, and vivid settings interlacing crime with a personal quest for meaning and connection. The plot unfolds in a chaotic world—war, collapsing families, and th...

Black Rose Cocoon

AG Flitcher (Library and Archives Canada)

| Reviewed by Matthew Novak

Black Rose Cocoon by A.G. Flitcher is a gripping narrative that intertwines characters' lives steeped in a chilling atmosphere of secrecy, horror, and dark familial connections. It is 1986, and a dark cloud of despair hovers over the streets of Halburton City as a serial killer targets the community's children. The pain of loss reverberates through the hearts of those closest to the victims, revealing a chilling truth — the true horror lies not just in the murders but in the emotional scars that haunt the survivors. As the body counts, the dram...

Echo

Kenneth James Allen (Independently published (October 1, 2024))

| Reviewed by Sarah Harkness

Kenneth James Allen’s Echo is a gritty thriller that follows Eli Cruz, a man whose life unravels in the wake of a tragic incident that claims the lives of his friends, Tyler and Dylan. He is a gifted hacker whose activity pits two powerful crime syndicates against each other. His curiosity and daring bring in more than he could ever have imagined, and it is not long before he is fighting for his life and those he loves. The plot is ingeniously conceived and skillfully executed, with a quick pacing that compels readers through Eli's journey's ha...

Captain Moretti's Daughte...

Sally Dipaula (Defiance Press & Publishing)

| Reviewed by Meg McKinnon

In Captain Moretti’s Daughter, Sally E. DiPaula delivers a compelling narrative set against the backdrop of a 1960s cargo ship, creating a rich setting that intertwines with themes of identity, fear, and resilience. 15-year-old Francesca Moretti (Frankie) finds herself in the tumultuous waters of life after her mother's death and her father's absence, leading her into a world of danger and mystery. The plot centers around Frankie’s search for the murder of a crew member, the wiper named Kristian, aboard the ship Il Destino, captained by her fat...

Brutus Nation 3: Into the...

KRIS KYZER (FriesenPress)

| Reviewed by Sarah Harkness

Kris Kyzer's Brutus Nation 3: Into the Fires of Hell is a gripping narrative that pushes the boundaries of societal norms in a dystopian setting, where law enforcement and criminal underworlds collide over control of resources and power. The plot follows the intertwined lives of various characters, mainly focusing on the aftermath of a flamethrower attack in Athenia City that results in the death of a member of a powerful family, the O'Reillys. The story explores the chaos that ensues as members of this family seek revenge and navigate the dark...

Flames of Secrecy-A Psych...

Wayne M. Miller (self-published)

| Reviewed by Matthew Novak

Wayne M. Miller's psychological thriller Flames of Secrecy delivers a gripping exploration of the complex nature of the human psyche, threaded through a narrative steeped in intrigue, revenge, and the consequences of unresolved trauma. The novel is cleverly plotted, with well-developed characters whose interactions propel them toward dark and dangerous outcomes. Brantley is a deeply flawed character whose life experiences shape his disturbed worldview. His troubling past, marked by emotional and physical abuse from his mother, informs...

River of Ashes

Alexandrea Weis & Lucas Astor (Vesuvian Books)

| Reviewed by John Grossman

River of Ashes by Alexandrea Weis & Lucas Astor is a psychological thriller that is as enthralling as it is disturbing. The narrative follows a web of complex relationships featuring Beau Devereaux, Leslie Moore, and her twin sister, Dawn, all St. Benedict High School students. Beau, the charismatic and popular star quarterback, has a troubled past and a penchant for manipulation. The only child of a powerful family, he believes he owns the world and does unspeakable acts in the shadows. He threatens his victims and intimidates them. N...

The Four Myths

Robert Reisler (Kettle Books (July 13, 2020))

| Reviewed by Jeff Klune

Robert Reisler's The Four Myths delivers four intriguing narratives that merge history, mysticism, and contemporary interconnectivity. The plot unfolds through four interwoven myths involving different characters across time, all bound by the mystical power of ancient scrolls. The story opens with Jack Johanssen, a reclusive and dedicated archaeologist, who stumbles upon a mysterious scroll from the notorious 1876 Battle of Little Bighorn. The drama escalates when he discovers that this seemingly mundane artifact carries secrets of untold power...

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